The arena looks good from the ouside. The inside is bare. Apparently they’re working around the clock to get it done on time.

SENATOR CODEY:There was a lot of talk for a lot of years about the arena in Newark and whether or not people will come…I don’t know about you but I’ve never read about an incident at the PAC center since it opened.A new era for Seton Hall basketball, a new era for the city of Newark.

If Continental had not been built I don’t know if we would have been in the Big East. I want to thank them for giving us a professional home for all these years.

I’d also like to thank them for making a great proposal that made people on the other side sharpen their pencils a little.

MSGR. SHEERAN:Since 1930 Seton Hall has grown up with Newark in the days when we had an extensive campus downtown here…Today is a historic moment for many of us as we begin a new chapter of Pirate basketball.

JEFF VANDERBEEK:Much has been written about our negotiations, but you know that saying, adversity brings togetherness if you surive it, well not only did we survive it but we forged relationships that will help take this thing to unlimited levels…

Here is information gleaned from my interviews with Joe Quinlan and Bobby Gonzalez:

PARKING: The main lot will be small, probably between 500-1,000 cars. Smaller local lots near the arena will be contracted out for games.SCHEDULING:Priority: No definitive answer, but it sounds like the Hall generally will have first dibs after the Devils, with a few possible exceptions.Game times: Will mostly be 7 or 7:30 on weeknights, but the Big East does set times for the league games based on the TV deal. They will be conducting research to see what times are most favorable.Opponents: N.C. State is probably coming in. Monmouth may be the opener. Look for one more “glamour game” at home with a major-conference power.COURT/SEATING:Color: Some seats will be red and some will be black.Proximity: Better sightlines, closer to the court (not sure how much closer, but can it get any farther than the CAA?).Court: Will have a Pirate logo. Supposedly there will be Pirate stuff everywhere (brand development, they call it).Beer sales: Not determined yet.TICKETS: Details on the point plan and prices will be mailed to ticket-holders within the next three weeks. Nobody admitted this, but the prices obviously are going up.RECRUITING/BASKETBALL: Will get a big boost. State-of-the-art locker room (I gathered the Hall will have its own locker room), much better access for practice, recruiting visits and pre-game shootarounds, good buzz in Newark and New York City.